Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Composition and the Web Portfolio
Speaking in visual terms, composition is the arrangement of elements to create
an effective visual product. The proximity, weight, continuity, scale, and
repetition of items in a Web page have an impact on how the page is perceived
and acted upon. Composition takes these factors into account. By giving the
user a well thought-out composition, the pages and interface structure become
transparent and the user can intimately focus on your content. So like naviga-
tion, composition is seen by the author and is natural to the user. When
composition is flawed or inconsistent throughout Web pages, it causes the
entire Web portfolio to suffer.
Composition brings all the elements together. Imagine you shot five photo-
graphs: these are your elements or assets. You then took the photos and
arranged them on top of a piece of cardboard. You overlap each photo a bit
to create a layered look. Or, you could change the composition and butt the
photos up against each other side by side so that they arrange a grid. You have
changed the composition, and thus will change the communication and the
reaction fed back by the receiver. Composition refers to the individual pages
and how they are assembled, as well as the entire site and how it is assembled.
There are many techniques to assist you in composition. One of the main things
that we want to focus on when we are creating a visual composition is placement
of elements including text and graphics. Without training in two-dimensional
design, this process is not an easy one to master. Because there are so many
possibilities in two-dimensional design, no one can really master it. We only can
hope to develop good visual habits and be open to criticism, revision, and
redesign.
One technique that is effective to help with two-dimensional composition is to
use a grid. Using a grid is a common practice to develop composition. Grids are
utilized in all forms of art and design. In computer art and multimedia applica-
tions, grids are easy to set up and use. Design Web pages, also known as
screens on paper first. Use regular graph paper or draw your own grid. The grid
will help you arrange the elements on the page with balance, unity, and
emphasis. Then, when you begin to use digital production tools, you can
reproduce the grid electronically in your applications. Dreamweaver, Fire-
works, Flash, Freehand, and Photoshop all have grid setting and guides to help
make composition a bit easier.
